By day, she is a learning experience designer, helping to support faculty through course development. Evenings and weekends, she combines music, art, technology and science as the multidisciplinary artist DJ RVMBA.

Sonia Sandoval ’16 is a self-described “open format human,” going with the flow, embracing ever-evolving goals in both her work and her personal life.

A native of Colombia, South America, Sandoval grew up in Queens, N.Y. Early on, she embraced a love of the outdoors and ecology. An environmental science major at Union, she lived in Ozone House, conducted faculty-mentored research in a local pine barren and explored biodiversity on an Australian term abroad. With a minor in studio fine arts, she learned 3-D technology and honed her skills in the College’s Makerspaces.

After running her own small compost collection company, she returned to Union in 2019 as a learning environment specialist. In 2021, she joined the newly formed Learning Design and Digital Innovation team. Last year, she obtained a certification in Learning Design and Technology from Harvard Extension School.

Away from campus life, as DJ RVMBA, Sandoval has performed at special events and venues throughout the Northeast. She is committed to introducing Latin artists to the Capital Region and fostering inclusion for the LGBTQ community.

“My favorite part about DJing is feeling like I have an overwhelming volume of good vibes shooting out of me,” said Sandoval, who learned to DJ while in high school. “Love is the message. Making friends, brightening people’s days and helping everyone have fun.”

Sandoval lives in downtown Schenectady with her tuxedo cat, Brooklyn. She thrives on the city’s innovative spirit and continues her strong support of environmental causes as a board member of the Schenectady Greenmarket. She is also a new trustee of the Schenectady County Historical Society.

FIRST APP YOU LOOK AT IN THE MORNING:

As a small business owner, I open up email and Instagram, which is a powerful tool that converts leads to clients.

GO-TO BREAKFAST:

I was raised in New York City and lived there for 20 years. The breakfast of champions will always be a coffee (Colombian, of course) and a baconeggandcheese. (Note: Spelling this without spaces is a stylistic representation of an NYC native’s way of ordering this classic.)

WHAT'S THE LAST GREAT BOOK YOU READ?:

I am an avid consumer of digital media, but the book that has remained on my desk for over a year is The Encyclopedia of Union College History by Wayne Somers. There are a lot of wild, exciting and surprising anecdotes about our rich and sometimes spicy history. There’s always something new to learn in that book.

BEST ADVICE YOU EVER RECEIVED:

Love many, trust few, always paddle your own canoe.

FAVORITE PLACE TO VISIT:

Cartagena, Colombia, is beautiful and amazing. It’s a great place to enjoy delicious food, fantastic beaches and a vibrant nightlife.

WHAT ARE YOU WATCHING RIGHT NOW?:

“Resident Alien” on Netflix. It is a hilarious, sarcastic take on the world’s current state of affairs.

ONE SKILL YOU WISH YOU HAD:

Replication! I wish I had more of me to go and experience all the travel, volunteering and DJ opportunities.

3 DINNER PARTY GUESTS YOU'D LIKE TO HAVE (living or not):

I’d invite my ancestors from both pre-colonial and colonial times. It would be fascinating to learn about their lives and perspectives firsthand. Finally, I’d include my future children – their hopes and dreams would offer a glimpse into the future we’re all working to create.

FIRST CONCERT:

I can’t remember my first, but my favorite concert was seeing Colombian superstar Karol G in New York City; she’s the most famous woman on the planet at the moment. Even through the language and culture barriers, she still manages to sell out stadiums globally.

LITTLE KNOWN FACT ABOUT YOU:

My sisters call me “All the Jobs Barbie.” I had my first paid job in fifth grade, when I was a math tutor for a second grader. Over my lifetime, I’ve been a zookeeper at Central Park Zoo, a barista, a librarian and a research assistant, and I even worked in professional balloon delivery. Now I’m a learning experience designer and, of course, DJ!